This Day in History: 02/06/1952 - Elizabeth becomes Queen

On this day in 1952, King George VI of Great Britain and Northern Ireland dies in his sleep at the royal estate at Sandringham.

m watch

Related Videos

Observances & Traditions

The History of the New Year's Eve Ball Drop

We all watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve, but the ball has its own history that began well before Times Square and out on the high seas.

1:00m watch

Black History

The Story Behind Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa didn't just appear spontaneously—it was specifically designed to heal a struggling community after the infamous Watts' Rebellion.

1:00m watch

Sports

The History of Snowboarding in America

Before the term "snowboarding" existed—and at least 80 years before it was an Olympic phenomenon—people were surfing down snowy hills.

1:00m watch

Slavery

Harriet Tubman's Christmas Eve Rescue

In 1854, Harriet Tubman helped her brothers and their families escape slavery on Christmas Day before they were sold.

1:00m watch